Bb Guitar Chord (B Flat Major) For Beginners - Music Grotto

Most Common Bb Shapes

There are two common ways to play the Bb chord: the A shape and the E shape. Both shapes are a little challenging, especially for beginners. Before you learn any shortcuts, it’s good to know what your end aim is.

The A Shape

This iteration of the chord is derived from the A guitar chord. If you aren’t comfortable with that chord yet, take a moment to refresh your memory with this lesson.

For the true Bb chord, you will use a similar shape with your fingers, but with some adjustments.

First, place your first finger in a barre chord in the first fret. It is very important to apply as much pressure as possible to both E strings.

Your next move will be in the third fret.

Place your second finger on the fourth string. Then your second finger on the third string. And last, your third finger on the second string.

Strum all the strings. How did it sound?

If you’re not a fan, try your hand at the E-shape next.

Try Next: The Am Chord on Guitar

The E shape

As you have probably guessed, this version is similar to the E major chord. It helps to begin by placing your fingers in E major shape to refresh your memory. If you need help, refer to this lesson.

Now that you know your starting place, you’re ready to make the needed changes to learn this version of the Bb chord.

As you did with the A-shape, your first move is to place your first finger in the barre chord on the first fret.

Next, you place your second finger on the third fret of the third string. Your third finger follows to the fourth fret of the 5th string. Last, put your fourth finger on the fourth fret of the fourth string.

And strum all the strings. What do you think?

If it doesn’t sound right, don’t fret!

More Chords: The G minor Chord

Bb Shortcuts

Barre chords are a technique that is very difficult for most beginner and intermediate players.

But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid all songs with the Bb chord in it until you are a guitar master.

Lucky for you, there are a few shortcuts. These are the Bb guitar chords for beginners that will give you the sound you need without all the techniques.

Let’s see what you think!